Workplace Surveillance: Harm to Wellbeing and Productivity
A recent survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that a third of UK firms are using 'bossware', systems that monitor employee activity.
Workplace surveillance always involves an exercise of power, here by managers, and in a complex world where good performance calls for autonomy in thought and action, close monitoring risks fairness, wellbeing and productivity.
Organisations have few qualms about monitoring their employees, given a societal backdrop of ubiquitous CCTVs and smartphones.
As firms introduce closer monitoring of employees, managers risk abusing their power, and HR must ensure that the technology helps, rather than harms, workplace culture and team performance.
Author's summary: Workplace surveillance harms employee wellbeing.